STATE Vs. NAHAR SINGH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) These three appeals have been preferred by the appellant State against the common judgment and award dated 20.4.2006 passed by learned Additional District Judge No. 2, Sri Ganganagar allowing reference application filed by the land holders/respondents.

(2.) All the three appeals being against common judgment, the facts of Civil Misc. Appeal No. 1026/2006 are noted herein.

(3.) A notice under Section 4 of the Land Acquisition Act was issued on 16.3.1999 for the purpose of acquiring the land situated in Murabba No. 33 of Chak No. 33 GB, Tehsil Sri Vijaynagar. The said notification was published in Gazette on 24.3.1999 and as per this notification, land of the respondent situated in Khasra No. 188/418 was to be acquired. A reply was submitted on 28.7.1999 by the landholder. Virtually, there was no objection for acquisition but in substance, according to the landholders, the compensation was required to be given at the rate of Rs. 3 lakhs per bigha. Thereafter, final notice under Section 6 was issued on 18.12.1999 and award was determined on 9.10.2000. The Land Acquisition Officer allowed compensation at the rate of Rs. 58,000/- per bigha. The landholders submitted an application for reference under Section 18 of the Land Acquisition Act on 16.4.2001 which was decided by the learned Court below vide judgment dated 20.4.2006 while determining the compensation towards cost of land at the rate of Rs. 1,50,000/- per bigha.